Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has fiercely condemned the recent killing of unarmed protesters in Kenya by security forces, describing the incident as “barbaric and unacceptable in a democracy.”
Frank, who is currently the Ambassador of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to East Africa and the Middle East, issued a strongly worded statement on Monday urging Kenyan President William Ruto to immediately call security agencies to order and stop the bloodshed.
His reaction follows the tragic events in Nairobi where Kenyan police opened fire on demonstrators marking the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba (7/7) protests, which symbolise the country’s push for multi-party democracy.
Kenyan authorities confirmed that at least 11 people were killed and 567 arrested nationwide during the latest round of anti-government protests.
Frank, citing the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody last month as a turning point that reignited public outrage, said the continued repression of peaceful demonstrators defies democratic norms and international law.
“It is time to stop these avoidable murders,” Frank declared. “The government must follow the rule of law and release all detained protesters immediately.”
He expressed deep sympathy to the families of those killed and hailed the victims as martyrs of democracy.
“They would be remembered as those who died fighting for a better future for their country,” he said.
READ ALSO: At least 16 dead, hundreds injured in Kenya’s anti-government protests
In a direct appeal to President Ruto, who he referred to as a friend, Frank reminded him that the same people now being targeted by state violence were instrumental in his electoral victory.
“The right thing to do is not to kill them but to dialogue with them. This is democracy. These were the people who believed in you and voted for you. It is their constitutional right to protest if they are dissatisfied with your administration.”
Frank stressed that the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters constitutes a grave violation of international law, including the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“This nonsense in Africa has to stop,” he said. “African leaders must not continue to kill peaceful protesters. Yet when they need votes, they dance with the people and make endless promises.”
Calling for international action, Frank urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and prosecute Ruto and his top security officials for alleged crimes against humanity. He also demanded immediate sanctions, including a travel ban on police chiefs responsible for using live ammunition on civilians.
Furthermore, he appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump and the United Nations to intervene and hold the Kenyan government accountable.
“When there was protest against Trump, the U.S. did not deploy the National Guard to kill the protesters, but rather to protect them. That is what democracy is all about,” Frank said. “This is a time for Trump to speak out for those young Africans being killed for demanding good governance.”
He criticized the African Union (AU) for what he described as cowardly silence in the face of a “heinous crime” against African youths.
“African heads of state only speak when a coup takes place and one of their own is affected. That’s the only time they are relevant. This is most unfortunate,” he added.
Frank concluded by urging the Kenyan protesters to remain resolute and courageous, even in the face of escalating state repression.
Business6 days ago
Crime1 week ago
Latest1 week ago
Business1 week ago
Latest3 days ago
Politics7 days ago
Latest4 days ago
Education1 week ago